How to Stay Safe During Events in Downtown Nashville
It’s an exciting time in Nashville and Middle Tennessee. We have some of the best events and celebrations in the country which brings together family and friends. Many of these are happening in downtown Nashville such as The Predators at Bridgestone Arena, concerts at Ascend Amphitheater and live music on Broadway.
There will also be an increased number of cars and possible car accidents on I-24 and I-40 coming in and out of the city along with road closures in downtown Nashville which can cause confusion for drivers.
With these events comes huge crowds, increased alcohol consumption and traffic both walking and automobiles, which could present real a danger to your safety if they do not follow the rules of the road. And if you are the one not following the rules you could face legal troubles.
Even if you don’t participate in the party, it’s important to be aware of what’s going on around you. Follow these simple tips and safety measures to stay safe and avoid legal trouble while downtown.
Safety Tips for Downtown Nashville
BE PREPARED
- Have a plan before you go downtown. Take time to plan out your weekend and how you will go about attending the festivities. Hire a driver, get a non-drinking friend to be a designated driver, get a hotel room in Nashville, or plan to take a taxi/Uber/Lyft.
- Remember to hydrate. During the heat of the summer, we tend to forget that our bodies need more water than normal. This is especially true when we are outside sweating and consuming alcohol. I cannot stress enough how important it is to keep yourself hydrated and to keep water with you at all times.
ALWAYS BE RESPONSIBLE AND AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS.
- Practice the buddy system. It can be easy to get confused or lost if you aren’t familiar with downtown Nashville. Being in an unfamiliar setting can sometimes be problematic if you become tired and worn down after a long day of concerts. Make sure to stay with a friend or group of friends when you attend the festivities. Also, be sure to keep your cell phone with you at all times where it is easily accessible.
- Follow the rules. Rules are there for a reason. Follow them. Pay attention to signs. Listen to instructions from police officers and concert officials. Ignoring the rules could just get you in trouble or even get you hurt.
- Do not question a police officer. Should a police officer approach you, it’s important to be polite and respectful no matter what the situation may be. Don’t get into an argument with a cop. Doing so will only make the situation worse for yourself or those with you.
CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL:
- Drink Responsibly. It’s easy to get carried away in terms of drinking when you’re at a concert with all your friends. Know your limits. Everyone is different and it’s okay if you can’t drink as much as the next person. Know when to stop.
- Don’t drink and drive. No matter what the case may be, never get behind the wheel after you’ve been drinking and never be a passenger in a car with a driver who has been drinking. Phone a friend or take a Lyft, Uber or taxi_. _
- Avoid controversy. It is no surprise that at gatherings with massive amounts of people, there will be a few individuals that drink too much and tend to stir up trouble. First, do not be that person. Second, avoid those individuals at all costs. If you do not, then the end result will just be bad for both parties.
Unfortunately, even after following all precautions, accidents can still happen. See what to do if you have been in a car accident in Nashville.
It is exciting to see so many people travel to Nashville and Middle Tennessee to enjoy the great music and events we have to offer. We hope that by keeping these safety tips in mind, you’ll have a more enjoyable experience. Have a great time, but be sure to put your safety first!
If you or a family member has been injured in downtown Nashville, contact Raybin & Weissman for a free consultation or call me at 615-256-6666.